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Hi all.

Been away from RC 25+ years but, like many, got the bug back in lockdown.

Back in the day, I had a ProCat amongst others so bought the XLS. On to my issue: is it just me or is the NiMH battery clamp poorly designed? The screws to undo it are only accessible from underneath, which means removing the undertray!

I bought a second battery and want a better way to change them. My thinking is either to put holes in the tray to access the screws ( or screw through the tray) or remove the clamp completely and put some sort of hook and loop strap around the battery.

The car isn't fully built yet so maybe I'm missing something obvious - feel free to call me a numpty if that's the case. If I'm right and it's a pain to change the battery, what have others done to resolve the problem?

Thanks in advance.

Dave.

It would appear the screws are on the wrong side but the battery clamps were originally used on previous Schumacher cars like the C car so they fit the other way up on those cars.

There are two methods for the CAT, the first is as you mentioned by putting a hole in the undertray or as per the original SWB CAT manual, file a slot on the opposite end of the screw and use a small screwdriver, this is what I did BITD.

winner_evo wrote: ↑Fri Jul 17, 2020 5:33 pm It would appear the screws are on the wrong side but the battery clamps were originally used on previous Schumacher cars like the C car so they fit the other way up on those cars.

There are two methods for the CAT, the first is as you mentioned by putting a hole in the undertray or as per the original SWB CAT manual, file a slot on the opposite end of the screw and use a small screwdriver, this is what I did BITD.

Thanks for that. Good idea about putting a slot in the 'top' end of the screw.

FWIW, I don't recall ever using those battery clamps. I think, after looking them over, I decided they were going to be too much hassle so I tossed them back in the box.
I recall using strapping tape in the early days (the fiberglass reinforced tape). I was also racing a 10L on road at the time and used tape to secure its batteries so it seemed like the logical thing to use for the CAT. I always kept a roll and scissors in my pit box. Eventually, I replaced the stock G10 chassis with a custom carbon fiber piece with a proper post and c/f strap means for securing the saddle pack -- similar to Yokomo.
Again, FWIW.

Welcome to the forums, by the way.

I've spent roughly 20 years away from the hobby but I'm back for good this time.

Some aftermarket clamps where available which had the screws on the other side. I just don't know who made them.